Ridgecrest Conference Center (and note the lack of the word "Baptist" in the name, we will certainly take non-Baptist dollars), LifeWay's venerable Smoky Mountains location for retreats, conferences and the like seems to be doing just fine. So fine that more free labor is needed. Baptist Press reports on it: Volunteers needed as Ridgecrest attendance climbs. Yeah, I've give a week to menial labor at Ridgecrest for room and board. I was at Ridgecrest last July for a night and was surprised at how things had improved. Now, the executive director of Ridgecrest says, "It was the most people … [Read more...] about What’s the reason for the Ridgecrest renaissance?
The SBC ought to do something about clergy sex abuse
This is a common refrain from abuse victims, advocates, and others that follow the deplorable cases of abuse now prominent in secular, religious, and social media. In fact, the phrase "the SBC ought to do something about..." can be completed with reference to many issues - racism, sexism, poverty, human trafficing, and a host of other societal ills. In regard to the title above the assertion is flawed in its expression "the SBC ought..." because of the autonomy of SBC churches and entities and our non-connectional system. The "Southern Baptist Convention" doesn't: have churches … [Read more...] about The SBC ought to do something about clergy sex abuse
Autonomy is a reality, not an excuse
Discussions of clergy sex abuse in SBC churches and entities are, sadly, common these days. Several current examples, deplorable each one, are found in articles here within the past days. This used not to be the case. When clergy misconduct occurred it would be whispered not published. Pastors, denominational workers, and leaders would find out through back channels and the Baptist grapevine. Very seldom would Baptist Press or any of the state Baptist newspapers would touch these stories. Things have changed. Communication is easier. Victims have means to make public their cases. They also … [Read more...] about Autonomy is a reality, not an excuse
Is it ever too late to call police when sex abuse is reported?
Recent cases of sex abuse of minors in churches by church staff have raised a number of important questions. Perhaps the first question that current church leaders might need to answer is when a report of past abuse should be reported to the police. While blogs and comments are an important forum for discussing such things, often information is a mixture of opinions, questions, ponderings, and facts. This article from LifeWay's Facts and Trends of May 18, 2018 is particularly helpful. Sex abuse in the church: Is it ever too late to call the police? Texas attorney Kimberlee Norris often … [Read more...] about Is it ever too late to call police when sex abuse is reported?
National Cooperative Program up $17 million while state CP down $41 million
When interim Executive Committee CEO Augie Boto made his report at #SBC18 he shared the graph below. While the subject is arcane to most Southern Baptists it is critical to leaders at the state and national level and what the graph shows is no surprise to those who must watch their revenue streams to maintain employment levels and ministries. Here is the way Boto put it in his report (this excerpt from my state paper, The Christian Index): Boto then explained that the statistical information shows that in the last 18 years “our national receipts have improved by just over $17 … [Read more...] about National Cooperative Program up $17 million while state CP down $41 million
Southwestern’s Potemkin village and other fascinating excursions in SBC vocabulary
Ben Cole, flung out of the sordid business of secular politics and back into the sordid business of denominational politics is perhaps the first to employ Potemkin village in our Grand Convention. Rather than Neil Sedaka as Ben suggests, better cue the Mussorgsky for SWBTS and change "Bald Mountain" to "Seminary Hill." By blogging fiat, I declare complementarianism to be Southern Baptists favorite tongue-tying word, as well as being about six syllables beyond what we are comfortable with. No wonder it is undefinable and applications vary widely among us. ...concerning which, the … [Read more...] about Southwestern’s Potemkin village and other fascinating excursions in SBC vocabulary
Outside of the local church, who can do anything about SBC clergy who are sex abusers?
Who, aside from the local church or churches involved, can do anything about SBC clergy who are accused of sex abuse? The answer depends on what actions are considered or are to be taken. You may have read about the case of a Tennessee SBC pastor who resigned after accusations of his abusive behavior at a Texas church in the 1980s. The story is told at length here. It is a sad story and one that should grieve any and all of us. It raises a number of questions about how sex abuse is handled in SBC churches and also about how SBC entities outside of the local church react when approached … [Read more...] about Outside of the local church, who can do anything about SBC clergy who are sex abusers?
About a woman being SBC president
Yet another clickbait title today. One specific question that seemed to percolate out of #SBC18 was: "Can a woman be elected as SBC president?" Former president James Merritt says, "yes." Dwight McKissick says "yes" and makes the case for Beth Moore. Jason Allen, president of Midwestern Seminary was asked and, although I can't find the quote right off, had a "yes, but" sort of reply. The SBC controlling documents are clear, though knowledgable SBC leaders usually answer the question with a negative cast, "There's no constitutional reason that would prevent...". Unfortunately, … [Read more...] about About a woman being SBC president
Small Town Independence Day Celebrations Are the Best
I've been going to one close by for a couple of decades most every year. Just a few thousand people in this small, Georgia railroad town but they do a great job and it's always interesting. I go for the bbq but always watch the all-comers-welcome parade that precedes it. The bbq is pictured. If Jimmy Meek gets a photo here of the flag and fireworks then it is necessary for someone else to add the other essential to our July 4th celebrations, pork bbq. It is excellent. My only complaint is that for the last decade or so I haven't been able get there early enough to get some pork skins. Seems … [Read more...] about Small Town Independence Day Celebrations Are the Best
Finally, Chaucer Makes Voices…and Other Recent Notables
Melissa Eddington gets a gold star for working Chaucer into an article. I think I've read a bit of old Chuck Chaucer, guy from Alabama, right? SWBTS trustees are instructed to meet a self-selected group of big donors "forthwith" sayeth the wealthy former donors to the seminary. Money talks. Sometimes it barks out orders, even in Southern Baptist life. Guess we will see who jumps. Brent Hobbs is doing a lot of the editing and admin stuff here now. He is responsible for finding all of these neat photos that come with articles. What goes on in his mind when he matches them up, I don't know, but … [Read more...] about Finally, Chaucer Makes Voices…and Other Recent Notables